Other Works

On This Mountain

Racial drama. Interwoven years of 1930 and 1932.

Lindy’s parents flee due to Virginia’s law against miscegenation, leaving Lindy behind with a broken ankle. This Nature’s Child faces isolation on the mountain and threats of rape by a mulatto/Melungeon (Ramp) who insists their special breed must stay together. Lindy survives his abuse using her snake knowledge until the preacher coaxes Lindy to go to the valley and search for her family. Strong role for female.

In this time of continual racial strife, this script shows a historical glimpse into the hatred of people but also the possibility of resolution.

5 characters. Mixed casting.

Women Unbound

Historical: Edith Hamilton, Greek Myths translator Women’s Rights/family drama/world-renown achievement/gender identity.

The Hamilton sisters of Fort Wayne, Indiana face a world that says women “Can’t.” But in spite of the control of an alcoholic father, Edith becomes her own person as a Headmistress and Classical Scholar, selling millions of her Greek Mythology. Her relationship with Doris, her former, 28-years-younger student, is continually challenged by sister Alice, who in turn causes Edith much worry as Alice pursues becoming a doctor in a man’s field. Margaret, a “proper” teacher, finds ways to have fun. Edith keeps her lesbian relationship with Doris and is honored around the world.

Although world conflicts from the 1920’s — 1950’s comprise the backdrop for this story of the Hamiltons, feminist issues are contemporary as well as its timeless family drama.

4F; VOICE ONLY of 1M

Half A World Away

Cultural diversity/refugees.

A Burmese refugee father and son struggle to survive in Indiana and to resolve their painful relationship. Grandma Cho-Cho carries on the Burmese humor and tradition. Than speaks up for the freedoms this land promises him and refuses to return to Burma/Myanmar with Father, who cannot give up the fight in Burma/Myanmar, leaving Than behind. How do refugees fit into American society? Ran for 22 performances at Barter Theater, VA.

Nominated for Susan Smith Blackburn International Prize.

2 adult Asian (Father, grandmother;) 2 teen Asian (Than, girlfriend); 2 others (white/black) Than’s high school basketball friend, female school counselor.

Antietam Prelude

Love story/war.

Lottie befriends a runaway slave and finds her place in the Union Army but loses Alva in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Families are torn apart.

7 characters. (150th anniversary of end of Civil War in 2015)

The Singles W/O Sex Club

Comedy.

It’s the ‘Singles Scene’ for young and old at the Singles W/O Sex Club. Filled with Laurel and Hardy moments, Alison avoids Banana Man but falls for a young one.

Founder of the club, Margaret changes her mind about chastity when she meets a mysterious stranger. In this gender-confusing world, Margaret emerges from a cruise in love. Shampoo girl Betty Lou gets everything out of her system and reunites with her husband. And in Act II, Alison finds Davey is all-grown up, a fashionable designer, when they re-unite on the cruise.

9 characters.

Moshe

Tragedy/Israel Arab conflict.

Moshe goes to Israel against his parents’ wishes. He gives up Becky only to fall in love with Yael when he arrives. His decision to start a Hebrew-Russian newspaper for the newest immigrants is thwarted as retaliation continues between Israelis and Palestinians. Moshe pays with his life for his dream.

10 characters.

Papillons

Classical music/lyrical language/historical characters.

Clara Schumann struggles to preserve her own artistic spirit under the shadow of Robert who cuts the skin between his fingers for greater extension and sinks into depression. Clara must manage Robert’s creative outbursts and then choose where her loyalty lies: Robert or Brahms.

This classic love triangle story of Robert and Clara Schumann and Brahms reveals how Clara manages to survive under the stress of Robert going insane. She is a survivor who finds herself in the middle of emotional turmoil when Brahms, ten years younger, enters the scene, adoring her.

1F; 2M

Knitters Row

WWII/Social justice/romance.

Jody confronts the mill manager for his sexual harassment of her fellow workers and deals with economic and emotional stress while her husband is at war. Jody’s love story is re-played throughout her daily challenges of being a single parent while Tom is at war. A Greek immigrant finds a family and home with Jody. Jody chooses to withhold the sad news regarding their son’s father and gives him a dog to spare him the pain—a little bit longer.

9 characters.

Althea’s Well

Period historical drama.

In post-depression Missouri, a God-fearing woman figures out how to deal with her husband’s abuse. In classic Greek tragedy style, she poisons the well and flees, taking her adult son with her.

6 characters.

Al Capone & Me

1920's comedy.

Newlyweds Millie and Max run a boarding house during depression days, and Millie picks up extra money making a suit for none other than big Al himself. Perhaps the mysterious dame renting a room has some connection to the gang? Somehow, they all survive those trying but wonderful days. Recorded period music.

14 characters.

On Bethel Road — A Christmas Moment

A Christmas comedy-drama (Published Heartland Plays).

A family secret is exposed, and forgiveness comes after many years. Margaret drifts off to memories of her childhood days on the farm when her family goes under the stars on Christmas Eve for the ultimate celebration of His birth.

6 characters Multi-generational.

Rapture

Non-linear relationship drama.

Carol comes to terms with losing the biological father of her bi-racial child. Several other women’s relationship stories are interwoven with Carol’s as a male poet shadows them. raising questions and challenging their decisions. Where and what is the true rapture of life?

5F; 1M

Home Fires OUT!

Contemporary. Random violence. Special needs. Scant adult language.

Down Syndrome OR Traumatic Brain Injury versions are available. Lorie is focused on her son Andy, but Jeff gives her an ultimatum for marriage. A cocaine addict and his partner fleeing from the police turn this pleasant, normal world upside down, and the comedy turns to tragedy. Andy is the hero as he will not let anything happen to his mother, while the female intruder realizes she’ll never be able to get to Mexico and be with her son.

7 characters.

Special casting needs:

• l fifteen-year-old+ plump male for Down Syndrome role OR other for TBI actor
• 1 Hispanic F
• 1 Elderly F
• M/F adult Caucasians

Summer Storms, Winter Skies

Coming-of-Age/multi-generational.

Estie weathers the turmoil of youth and Grandma, the bleakness of old age in this nostalgic fifties play. While Susan goes to college, Estie sells doughnuts rather than face life. Her first love intimidates her; Grandma explains how it was with Grandpa. Estie bridges Grandma’s growing illness through her newly-discovered miming talent—assuring Grandma that she now has a fine boyfriend. To Estie’s surprise, Grandma did understand Estie’s unique way of communicating with her.

4F; 6F

Sail We Now Forth

(MUSICAL-piano only)

Traditional portrait of Puritans mixed with musical theater.

While some of the family are dreamers excited to go to the New World, Richard’s wife Mary wonders how they’ll survive. Richard reveals that he doesn’t quite have enough money for passage, and Grandfather declares that he hasn’t the strength to go. Mounting problems, including Aunt Sarah’s stroke, create more doubts, but a delay in the ship departing allows Richard to scrape up the money. Uncle John says Aunt Sarah won’t be crossing with them, and Mary charges that Aunt Sarah is being left behind because of money. Grandfather assures Mary that Sarah is left because the journey will be too difficult. When matters are settled, Mary feels they are in God’s hands, and they set sail. Little Sally Jane’s cat, Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth, may steal the show.

3M; 1 M youth; 2F;4 young adult/youth; 1 cat? (Alive or otherwise!)

Arranged for piano:

• I Will Dream of Miracles
• By Holy Devotion
• Have No Thought for the Morrow
• Throw Me in a Corner!
• Open the Window
• Here Comes the Cat!
• Love Flight
• Open the Window (Reprise)
• Wait (Psalm 27 adapted)
• Sally Jane
• Sail We Now Forth

Tuesday's Child

Teen suicide drama. Produced by special permission and requiring guided discussion after each performance with your own local intervention material provided.

Cathy and Mort manifest behaviors caused by peers, academic life, family situations and self as well as unmet, inner spiritual needs. The Malone family may appear perfect from the outside, but Cathy faces pressure from parents as well as from her speech team peers and her boyfriend Jerry who offers her no choice. Pressured for sex, forbidden to see Jerry any more, worried about the weird behavior of her good friend Mort, and having placed eighth in the speech meet, Cathy feels flat, like cardboard. When the bathroom mirror breaks, she has the means to self-destruct, leaving everyone stunned. Cathy had everything to live for. They all loved her. She’ll never know how much.

The intention of this sensitive play is to lead to some understanding, communication, support groups, and life-saving.

1M adult; 1F adult; 2M teens; 2F teens

A Desert Surprise

(Memoir)

Hailing from Indiana, Ruth embarks on a solitary backpacking journey through Israel that spans three transformative weeks. Along the way, she uncovers the inherent generosity of its people, the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes, and, most importantly, a newfound sense of self-assurance following a difficult divorce. Amidst her travels, she perceives the gentle whispers of God, rejuvenating her faith with each step.

Her odyssey takes her through the contrasting facets of Israel’s essence from the serene Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the tranquil Sea of Galilee to the somber memorial of Yad Vashem, honoring the six million lives lost. She traverses the sacred path of the Via Dolorosa. She navigates the labyrinthine alleys of Old Jerusalem’s bustling marketplace, embracing the enchanting allure and the poignant history of the land.

During her trip, Ruth adopts the nomadic spirit of a Bedouin, relying on her inner compass without clear markers. Through her eyes, she glimpses the world akin to a painting by Marc Chagall, and she bears witness to unwavering courage and faith as Hasidic Jews fervently pray at the Western Wall. Amidst these moments, she even fulfills the quintessential traveler’s dream of riding a camel, feeling the divine presence accompanying her every step.

As her journey draws to a close, Ruth returns home, brimming with newfound vitality and ready to embrace life’s joys once more—ready to dance!